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Baltimore Entry Requirements

Baltimore Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Before you travel: official formalities

  • ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

    Who
    Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling to the United States without a visa, by air, sea or land
    When
    Before travel
    Cost
    USD 40.27 per approved authorisation (fiscal year 2026)

    Travellers under the Visa Waiver Program must hold an approved ESTA before travelling. Apply only on the official ESTA website.

    Official site
    Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Baltimore sits on the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, and entering the city means clearing U.S. federal immigration and customs, whether you arrive at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), cross a land border, or dock at the Port of Baltimore on a cruise. The process is standardized across the country, so the requirements for Baltimore are the same as for any other U.S. port of entry. That said, it helps to know exactly what to expect before you travel, because preparation tends to make the experience noticeably smoother. Most visitors to Baltimore will need either a valid U.S. visa or, if they hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country, an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Whichever category applies to you, you should have your documents in order well before departure, as airlines and carriers typically verify authorization before boarding. Entry requirements do change, so it is worth confirming current rules with the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection or State Department websites before your trip. Once you clear immigration and customs at your port of entry, you are free to travel anywhere in the United States, including Baltimore. If you are arriving on a connecting domestic flight from another U.S. airport, you will have already completed immigration and customs at your first point of entry into the country, so arriving in Baltimore itself will feel like any other domestic flight.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

The United States operates a tiered entry system. Whether you need a visa, can travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA, or require a full consular visa application depends on your nationality. Eligibility rules and permitted lengths of stay vary, so travelers should check the official U.S. immigration website for the terms that apply to their passport.

Visa-Free Entry
The allowed stay varies by nationality and program terms. Check the official U.S. immigration website for the duration that applies to your passport.

Certain nationalities may enter the United States without obtaining a visa in advance, typically under the Visa Waiver Program. Eligibility and the permitted length of stay depend on your nationality and the specific bilateral agreement in place.

Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program are generally required to hold an approved ESTA before departure. Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission. An U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer makes the final determination at the port of entry. Overstaying your permitted period, even by a single day, can affect your ability to enter the United States in the future.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
An approved ESTA is typically valid for multiple trips over a two-year period or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The permitted length of each individual stay depends on the terms granted at the port of entry.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, known as ESTA, is the pre-travel authorization required for nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries who are visiting the United States by air, sea, or land without a visa. ESTA is not a visa. It is a screening that determines whether you are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

How to Apply: Apply before travel through the official ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Applications are often processed within minutes, though in some cases review may take up to 72 hours. Apply only on the official site, as third-party websites charge additional fees and are not affiliated with the U.S. government.
Cost: USD 40.27 per approved authorization as of the current fiscal year. This fee is subject to change, so confirm the current amount on the official ESTA website before applying.

ESTA approval does not guarantee entry into the United States. It authorizes you to board a carrier bound for the U.S. The final admission decision rests with the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry. If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa through an U.S. embassy or consulate. Travelers who have previously been denied a visa or who have certain travel history may not be eligible for ESTA.

Visa Required
The permitted stay and visa validity period depend on the visa type and the terms set during the consular interview. Tourist visas typically allow multiple entries over a period of years, with each stay limited to the duration granted by the border officer.

Travelers whose nationality is not covered by the Visa Waiver Program, or who plan to work, study, or stay for purposes beyond tourism, will need to apply for a visa at an U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling to Baltimore.

How to Apply: Visa applications are submitted through the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The process generally involves completing an online application form, paying the visa fee, and attending an in-person interview. Processing times vary by location and season, so applying well in advance of your planned travel date is advisable.

Visa applicants should be prepared to demonstrate ties to their home country, proof of sufficient funds for the trip, and a clear itinerary. A visa in your passport does not guarantee entry. The Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry has the authority to determine admission and the length of your permitted stay.

Arrival Process

Arriving in Baltimore typically means clearing U.S. immigration at BWI Airport, though if you entered the country at another airport or border crossing first, you will have already completed this process. Here is what to expect when BWI is your first U.S. port of entry.

1
Arrive and proceed to immigration
After disembarking, follow signs to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection area. If you are an U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or hold certain trusted traveler credentials, you may be able to use Automated Passport Control kiosks or Global Entry gates, which tend to move faster than the standard queues.
2
Present your documents to the border officer
Hand your passport (and visa or ESTA confirmation, if applicable) to the Customs and Border Protection officer. They will likely ask the purpose of your visit, where you plan to stay in Baltimore or elsewhere in the U.S., and the expected length of your trip. Answer honestly. Keep it simple.
3
Biometric collection
Most foreign nationals will have their photograph and fingerprints taken electronically at the immigration counter. This is standard for U.S. entry. Limited exceptions apply for certain diplomatic travelers.
4
Collect your checked luggage
After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked bags. You will need your luggage in hand before moving through the customs checkpoint. Do not rush this.
5
Clear customs
All arriving travelers pass through a customs checkpoint. You may be asked whether you have anything to declare. If you completed a customs declaration form during your flight, have it ready. Officers may inspect your bags, if you are carrying food, agricultural products, or large quantities of goods. Be prepared.
6
Exit into the arrivals hall
Once you have cleared customs, you are free to enter Baltimore. Ground transportation, including taxis, rideshare pickup areas, rental car facilities, and the BWI light rail station, are accessible from the terminal. You made it.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid passport
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Some nationalities are subject to a six-month passport validity requirement, meaning your passport must not expire within six months of your planned entry date. Check whether your country has a bilateral agreement that exempts it from this rule. Verify this early.
Visa or approved ESTA
If you are traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, you need an approved ESTA before departure. Apply through the official ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. If you require a visa, ensure it is valid and matches the purpose of your travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your approval. Do not forget.
Return or onward ticket
Border officers may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the United States within the period allowed. Having a return flight or onward travel booking readily accessible, whether printed or on your phone, can help smooth the process. Have it ready.
Proof of accommodation
While not always requested, having a hotel reservation, a letter from your host, or some indication of where you will be staying in Baltimore makes a good impression and can speed things along if the officer asks. Bring documentation.
Proof of sufficient funds
Officers occasionally ask travelers to demonstrate they can support themselves during their stay. A credit card, bank statement, or evidence of prepaid arrangements is typically sufficient. Bring proof.
Customs declaration
You may be required to complete a customs declaration form, either electronically through the CBP One mobile app or on a paper form distributed during your flight. This form asks about goods you are bringing into the country and whether you are carrying items that require declaration. Complete it accurately.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have your documents organized and accessible before you reach the immigration counter. Fumbling through bags while the officer waits tends to slow things down and can create an unnecessarily tense interaction. Stay calm.
Answer questions directly and briefly. Volunteer relevant information if asked. But lengthy unprompted explanations sometimes raise more questions than they answer. Keep answers short.
If you are connecting from an international flight through another U.S. airport to Baltimore, remember that you will clear immigration and customs at that first airport, not at BWI. Recheck your bags for the domestic leg after customs. Plan accordingly.
The CBP One mobile app allows you to submit your customs declaration and passport information in advance, which can reduce your time in the arrivals queue at BWI. Download it.
Peak arrival times at BWI tend to cluster around afternoon and early evening when transatlantic and long-haul flights land. If your schedule is flexible, earlier arrivals often mean shorter queues. Arrive early.
Keep a charged phone or a printed copy of your accommodation booking, ESTA confirmation, and return flight details. Digital copies are widely accepted, but a dead battery at the wrong moment can be inconvenient. Charge your phone.

Customs & Duty-Free

U.S. customs regulations apply uniformly at all ports of entry, including Baltimore. The rules govern what you can bring into the country and what must be declared. Understanding the basics before you arrive helps avoid delays and, in some cases, penalties. Know before you go.

Alcohol
Travelers aged 21 and older may generally bring a limited quantity of alcoholic beverages for personal use. One liter is the commonly referenced threshold for duty-free entry, though state regulations in Maryland may also apply. Check local laws.
You must be at least 21 years old to bring alcohol into the United States. Quantities above the duty-free allowance are subject to duty and tax. Certain artisanal or homemade spirits may face additional scrutiny. Declare everything.
Tobacco
A limited quantity of tobacco products may be brought in duty-free for personal use, typically up to 200 cigarettes or a proportional amount of other tobacco products. Know your limits.
You must be at least 21 to bring tobacco into the United States. Maryland has raised its tobacco purchase age accordingly. Amounts exceeding the duty-free threshold are subject to duty. Follow the rules.
Currency
There is no limit on how much currency you may bring into or take out of the United States. But amounts at or above the declaration threshold must be reported to customs. Report it.
The declaration requirement applies to the combined total of cash, traveler's checks, money orders, and certain other monetary instruments carried by you or your traveling group. Failure to declare can result in seizure of the funds and potential penalties. Do not risk it.
Gifts and personal goods
Travelers may bring personal goods and gifts up to a set value threshold without paying duty. The specific exemption amount depends on your country of departure and residency status. Check your allowance.
Items exceeding the duty-free value threshold face a flat duty rate on the next tier. Standard rates apply after that. Commercial quantities, even when labeled as gifts, get assessed at commercial duty rates. Check the CBP website. Find your current personal exemption there.

Prohibited Items

  • Illegal narcotics and most controlled substances stay banned. This applies regardless of legality in your country of origin.
  • Counterfeit goods, including designer knockoffs and pirated media
  • Most meat, poultry, and pork products from outside the U.S. remain prohibited. Disease prevention regulations drive this ban.
  • Certain fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, and soil face restrictions. These can carry agricultural pests. Inspectors will check.
  • Products made from endangered or protected species are banned. This includes ivory and certain furs. Items covered by international wildlife trade agreements also face prohibition.
  • Switchblade knives and certain other weapons prohibited under federal law
  • Absinthe containing certain concentrations of thujone above the permitted level

Restricted Items

  • Prescription medications are allowed in quantities consistent with personal use. Carry a valid prescription. A letter from your doctor identifying the medication and its purpose also works.
  • Firearms and ammunition require advance paperwork. Declare them at customs. Strict regulations apply. Rules vary by firearm type. Plan ahead.
  • Certain food items may enter with proper inspection. Some cheeses qualify. Baked goods can clear. Commercially packaged products with clear labeling have the best chance. Expect inspection.
  • Cultural artifacts, antiquities, and items of historical significance may need export permits. Obtain these from the country of origin before departure.
  • Biological samples, research specimens, and laboratory materials need advance authorization. Contact the relevant federal agency early. Processing takes time.

Health Requirements

The United States does not currently require proof of specific vaccinations for most travelers entering Baltimore or any other U.S. port of entry. Health considerations still matter. Review them before your trip.

Required Vaccinations

  • No vaccinations are broadly required for entry into the United States for short-term visitors. Travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic may need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check your itinerary. A stop in a yellow fever risk area before Baltimore could trigger this requirement.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine vaccinations are recommended by the CDC for all travelers. These include measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and seasonal influenza. Get current.
  • Hepatitis An and Hepatitis B vaccines are commonly recommended for international travelers to the United States. Consider both.
  • The CDC updates its travel health recommendations periodically. Consult their guidance before your trip. Get the most current list.

Health Insurance

The United States does not require visitors to carry health insurance as a condition of entry. Medical care in Baltimore and throughout the U.S. can be extremely expensive. No universal public healthcare system covers visitors. Purchase complete travel health insurance before your trip. Strongly advisable. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Costs without insurance can be financially devastating. Even minor incidents rack up bills.

Current Health Requirements: As of the time of writing, no specific health documents are required for entry into the United States for most travelers beyond the yellow fever certificate scenario noted above. Health entry requirements can change with little notice. Global health developments drive these shifts. Check the CDC and CBP websites shortly before departure. A reasonable precaution.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Your Country's Embassy or Consulate
If you need consular assistance while in Baltimore, locate your country's nearest embassy or consulate through your government's foreign affairs website. Washington, D.C. sits roughly an hour from Baltimore. Most foreign embassies are there.
Register with your government's travel notification service before departure. They can reach you in an emergency. Do this.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The official U.S. immigration and customs authority handles entry policy. They process ESTA applications. They manage border procedures.
For visa-related questions, contact the U.S. Department of State's consular affairs division. Not CBP. They handle this.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance anywhere in Baltimore and throughout the United States. Memorize this.
911 works from any phone. This includes mobile phones without an active plan. For non-emergency police matters in Baltimore, call the local police department's separate non-emergency line. Save both numbers.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children, including infants, need their own passport to enter the United States. If a child travels with only one parent, or with a guardian who is not their parent, carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent or parents. CBP officers may request this documentation as a child protection measure. Not having it causes significant delays or denial of entry. Carry copies of relevant legal documents. Custody orders or adoption papers apply here. Be prepared.

Traveling with Pets

Bringing a pet into Baltimore requires compliance with both federal and Maryland state regulations. Dogs must generally have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Check current rules. The CDC periodically updates its requirements for dogs entering the United States, including country-specific rules, so verify the current CDC dog importation regulations before travel. Other animals, including cats, birds, and reptiles, are subject to varying requirements depending on the species. Some animals require health certificates issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin within a specific window before departure. Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for current rules.

Extended Stays

If you plan to stay in Baltimore longer than your visa or Visa Waiver Program entry permits, you will generally need to apply for an extension through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying, even by a short period, can result in being barred from future entry to the United States. Don't risk it. For extended purposes such as study, work, or long-term research, you will likely need a specific visa category rather than a tourist entry. Consult the USCIS website or a qualified immigration attorney for options that match your circumstances.

Travelers with Dual Nationality

If you hold U.S. citizenship alongside another nationality, you are required to enter and exit the United States on your U.S. passport. No exceptions. Dual nationals of other countries should be aware that the U.S. may not recognize your second nationality during your stay, meaning consular assistance from your other country of citizenship could be limited while you are on U.S. soil.

Travelers with Criminal Records

Certain criminal convictions, including some offenses that might be minor in other jurisdictions, can affect your eligibility to enter the United States. If you have a criminal record of any kind, it is worth checking with the U.S. embassy or consulate before applying for a visa or ESTA, as a denied ESTA or visa refusal can complicate future travel to the U.S. even after the underlying issue is resolved. Get clarity first.

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